Almost 40 years ago, then University of New England academic David Kent sparked controversy writing about the Anzac legend.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
While his controversial research prompted calls for UNE to terminate Professor Kent, he remained, and has now received a prestigious honour.
UNE has conferred the title Emeritus Professor on the retired historian, which is an honorary designation for retired academics, recognising distinguished service.
The university said it is not conferred lightly.
READ MORE:
Professor Kent was Head of School of Classics, History and Religion and for eight years served in the Dean's office. He retired in 2007.
For more than 40 years he has been among the most accomplished social and cultural historians practicing in Australia and his groundbreaking scholarship has appeared in many internationally important journals attracting wide notice.
His contributions to issues of the Anzacs, popular radicalism, the social and cultural histories of Britain and Australia have been singular and significant. He has undertaken, developed, and facilitated the study of popular custom into the centre of modern British and Australian social history.
Professor Kent's academic eminence is most apparent in his highly acclaimed 2002 book The Convicts of the Eleanor: Protest in Rural England, New Lives in Australia.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Click here to send a letter to the editor
Described as a masterpiece of historical research and writing, this book won the prestigious and highly competitive NSW Premier's History Prize in 2003.
When his original and innovative work on the Anzac Legend attracted controversy in 1984, sectors of the non-academic world asked the UNE to 'Sack the Bastard'.
'David Kent, the now vilest man alive' was how he was characterised in a double-page feature in the Sydney Sun-Herald newspaper.
There were demands for him either to be deported from Australia or shot.
In the tradition of Russel Ward, and to its everlasting credit, the university resisted pressure to censure Professor Kent. His careful research and delineation of this topic refined and refreshed what the Australian government characterizes as 'Australia's most important national occasion.'
Professor Kent has significantly influenced Australian historiography and elevated the historical consciousness of Australians both in the public and academic arenas.
He has pioneered new pathways in historical research and is recognized as a key figure not only in the History Discipline at the University of New England but in the field of historical studies in Australia with continuing influence on an international stage.
By awarding him the title Emeritus Professor, UNE formally recognises the stature and significance of Professor Kent.
